The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1887-01-26
FLAG SENTIMENT.
Something About the Standards
of All Nations.
The Ancient Hebrews, Chinese and Japan.
csc and Their Venerated Banners
Modern Emblems - The Red
Cross Flag of Humanity.

1t has been well said that in the sue
cession of moving, and often strongly
contrasting, events which compose the
history of nations, the flag is SO closely
associated as to become to mems minds
the emblem and visible presence of the
nation personified. 1t floats TRANQUILITY
over the turning point of battles which
determine the nations existence,
browning its triumphs, grazing its
festivities, draping its halls of legisla-
tllre and justice, dropping in its defeats,
and shrouding the dead bodies of its
heroes. The English word flag" is
derived from an English-Danish word
meaning to fly, or that which hangs
down loosely, and it originated in the
early use of rushes for streamers. 1t
u singular fact that the old English
name for the iris or ''fleur-de-lis' is
flag. In modern parlance under the
generic name of flag is included stand
ards, ensigns, banners, colors, stream
ers, pennons, guidons, coronets or
coronels Grom which last name is de-
rived the title of ColoneD. The guidon,
particularly when used in the infant
regiments, is sometimes called the
marker.
A standard, or flag, represents not
only the patriotism and strength, but
also the sentiment OF thought of the
nation These emblems have existed
from the most remote periods, and have
always exercised powerful influence
upon mankind. In the time of Moses,
1491 b. c., the Hebrews had their
standards; Solomon hoisted the stand
ard of the Lion in Jerusalem, upon
which was inscribed the sentiment,
Rise, Lord, let Thine enemies be dis
persed, and let those that hate Thee
flee before Thee" Romulus, when he
founded Rome, adopted on his standard
the image of a she-wolf (his reputed
foster-mother), combined with the eagle
of Jupiter, which was the emblem OF
his Senate. Mahomet selected a green
standard, which is always preserved
with the greatest generation, enyeloped
in four coverings of green taffeta, in
closed in case of green cloth, and only
on occasions of extreme danger is this
sacred symbol taken from its place Of
deposit. His devout followers believe
it was brought down from Heaven by
the angel Gabriel.
In China, the earliest standard of
which we have any record represents a
warrior Staying hideous-looking
dragon with spear, just as ST. George
and the dragon are represented in more
modern times. The Chinese descrip-
ton of this reptile is that it has the head
of camel, the horns of deer, eyes OF
q rabbit, ears of a cow, neck of a snake.
stomach of frog, scales of a carp,
claws of hawk, and the palms of a
tiger On each side of the mouth are
whiskers, and its head contains a bright
pearl. Its breath is sometimes changed
into water, and sometimes into fire,
and its voice is like the jingling Of
copper pans. This beautiful reptile
existed existed when John Chinamar
was first created out of yellow clay
There is comfort in the thought that il
became extinct over ten thousand year;
ago. In our time and generation, {
sudden meeting of such reptile woulc
not be calculated to inspire in us senti
ments of either confidence, love, cheer
fulness. or patriotism. The presen
national flag of China is triangular il
shape, composed of deep yellow bunt
ing, and upon it is blue dragon, will
q green head, swapping at red pear
or ball.
The old imperial standard of Japan
in the opinion of its people, was some
thing sacred and sublime. Its three
fold device symbolized, several things
combining the sacred, astronomical
social and convivial sentiment. Thu
triple lobes represent Sintoism, the lie
1g1On OF the MAINS, DuuuuisiA stut
Confucianism. They also symbolizet
the three annual and the three MONTH.
festivals. First, the great new year
which lasts a month; second. the feas
of Spring, on the third day OF thirt
month Tor that of the flowers ant
young maidens), and third and last thu
feast of neighbors in the 'won't-go
mountaineering" style.
Great Britain, or England, thai
proud nation which boasts that upon it!
dominion the sun never sets, has more
banners or standards than any othel
kingdom or republic. The first in thu
list is what is called the royal standard